T.J. Skinner: “In 1974, I starred in the rock musical “Tooth Of Crime” at the old Cricket Theater.  My poster along with Mike Brindisi, Chanhassen Dinner Theater’s Artistic Director/Owner, was all over the Twin Cities and suburbs. The “Rockin’ at the Cricket” article and photos was published in a local rock magazine at the time. The show caused a local sensation and I was a local celebrity for a while. I was on Alan Stone’s KQRS show, he loved the show, and I appeared on all the local talk shows in costume. It was an amazing thing to shave my head in 1974 when even my conservative father was sporting long hair and sideburns.”

Indeed, “Tooth of Crime,” written by Sam Shepard, opened on March 29 at the Cricket, located at 345 – 13th Ave. NE at University Ave. (the old Ritz Theater).  The story was about the world of rock ‘n’ roll projected to the year 2000.  The score didn’t arrive in time, so it had to be written by Cricket music director Bob Lynn.  The music was performed by a band called Nirvana:  Tim Moeller, Randy l’Allier, Steve Cassidy, Mark Kryser, and Bob Lynn.  In the March/April 1974 issue of the Insider, reviewer Peter Dwyer described the Crow character thusly:  “..bald head with a painted on mask, yellow-patent-leather-knee-high platform boots, tight jeans and a black feathered cape…  T.J. Skinner’s acting ability is attested to by the believability of his performance as Crow.  Chilling and even a bit stunning.”